Corsica – Lena Mardell Van Den Hoek, 89, went to her heavenly home Tuesday, November 2 at Douglas County Memorial Hospital in Armour. Funeral service will be Monday, November 8 at 2:00 pm at Grace Reformed Church in Corsica. Visitation will be Sunday, November 7 from 5 to 7 pm with a 7:00 pm prayer service at Grace Reformed Church in Corsica.

Lena was born March 9, 1932 to Martin and Hilda (Schoon) Dykstra on the family farm near Harrison, SD. She grew up on the farm and attended country school near there. At the completion of her schooling, she worked at a local grocery store and cleaned houses. She was united in marriage to John Van Den Hoek on February 26, 1953 in Corsica, SD. The couple made their home on farms in Douglas and Aurora Counties. They retired and moved into Corsica in 1994. Lena was head cook for the Corsica School District for 23 years. She was a member of Grace Reformed Church and the Harmony Workers and enjoyed crocheting and baking.

Grateful for having shared her life are her 6 children: Lona Rus of Corsica; Phyllis (Donnie) Muilenburg of Corsica; Marlys (Larry) Jongejeugd of Platte, SD; Leon (Patricia) Van Den Hoek of Suisun City, CA; Darla Wiest of Suisun City; and Darwin (Rhonda) Van Den Hoek of Platte; 17 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; 3 sisters: Elsie Veurink of New Holland, SD; Mary Lea (Ray) Scholl of Platte; and Sylvia Zomer of Corsica; a sister-in-law, Vae Van Den Hoek; and a brother-in-law, Dalwyn (Sharon) Van Den Hoek.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John; and a sister, Wilhelmena Veurink.